Conference to focus on international partnerships, innovations, start-up promotions in aquaculture and fisheries 

AHMEDABAD, 19 November 2023: India is set to host the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023, a two-day mega event bringing together a diverse array of dignitaries and stakeholders including state fisheries ministers, diplomatic delegates representing different nations, global fisheries and aquaculture scientists, policy makers, fisheries communities and investment bankers on November 21 and 22 on the occasion of celebrations of the World Fisheries.  

Organised by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, the conference will serve as a platform to forge partnerships with national and international stakeholders and chalk out a roadmap for sustainable growth of the aquaculture and fisheries sector. Under the theme ‘Celebrating Fisheries and Aquaculture Wealth’, the conference aims to bring together key stakeholders on one platform for fruitful discussions, market insights and networking.

India’s Union Fisheries Minister Shri. Parshottam Rupala will inaugurate the conference on Tuesday in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Shri. Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel. 

International Collaboration

The Indian Government intends to captialise on this global event as a strategic platform to harness international collaboration aiming to boost international trade of aquaculture produce and seafood, enhance the socio-economic well-being of fishers and aquafarmers, and promote start-up and entrepreneurial initiatives across the value chain in the sector.  

International Round Table led by Union Minister

Major highlights of the conference include the International Round Table Meet led by Union Fisheries Minister Shri. Parshottam Rupala. This high-level dialogue, attended by ambassadors of different nations and representatives of various international agencies, will focus on international collaborative efforts to sustain the sector amid a range of critical challenges, including climate crisis. 

High-level diplomatic delegations from more than 10 countries have confirmed their participation and will attend the conference physically. In addition, around 50 other foreign diplomats are anticipated to join the meet virtually. Similarly, around 10 renowned international organizations, including Asian Development Bank (ADB), Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO), GiZ, Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Programme (BOBP-IGO) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) will also attend the global meet. 

Unique Opportunity for Stakeholders

The conference covers over 210 national and international exhibitors, including start-ups, exporters, fisheries associations, and processing industries. It will showcase their products, success stories, and innovative solutions. This will offer a unique opportunity to the enterprises, startups, associations, co-operatives, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and small-medium fisheries enterprises to come together on one platform and showcase their range of products and services in the fisheries. 

The event will encompass a range of engaging sessions, including Matsya Manthan, featuring technical discussions with national and international experts; industry connect for interactions between industry stakeholders and policy makers; Government to Government (G2G), Business to Government (B2G) and Business to Business (B2B) Bilateral meets; exhibition showcasing cutting-edge fisheries and aquaculture technologies. A special pavilion will be set up to exclusively demonstrate 10 transformative initiatives in the fisheries sector. 

Industry Connect & Business pitches

During the Global Fisheries Conference India 2023, Industry connect will be organised to engage the industry stakeholders with others including policy makers for deliberations upon issues such as start-up ecosystem, co-operation & collaboration in the fisheries sector, technology and knowledge transfer, R&D, capacity building, extension, best practices, involvement of women in fisheries value chain, safety standards, market linkages, and business opportunities etc. This session will feature prominent representatives from organizations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and other prominent fisheries industry associations.

The event is anticipated to attract a total of 5,000 visitors, including fishers, fish farmers, fish vendors, representatives of fisheries cooperatives, local communities, foreign delegates and investors, and fisheries start-ups. International leaders, technology investors, research and development institutions, equipment manufacturers, export councils, fisheries' associations, financial institutions, international fishing industry organizations, and aquaculture pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals will also participate in the two-day mega event. 

By Jagdish Kumar